Eddie Entrails
Summary : I am physically improving and learning to accept that my recovery may be slower than I would like.
Details : On Tuesday I was told that the drain that was inserted during surgery to drain away blood (and whatever else - lighter in colour) had to stay in for at least 4 days AND until the output was less than 30ml on 2 consecutive days AND be not as dark as straight blood. I have been annoyed that, according to everyone I asked, I have no control over the amount of liquid my body produces nor over the duration. "Relax and be patient' I am constantly told. I am not good at either. Grumble, grumble.
Wendy spent Wednesday night at my home and took me to the civic community health centre on Thursday morning. More of the same advice. However the nurse did change the dressing of the drain site and I have been more comfortable since. More than 30mls. I decided to change my approach. Now the bag that I carry round contains an entity which I address as Eddie, short for Eddie Entrails. He is my friend. He reminds me that it is OK to sit down and watch something inane on TV or do a jigsaw. He reminds me that , as of yesterday, even though it feels like months and months, it was only 2 weeks ago that I sat in the Breastscreen office and was told I had a malignant lump. This morning my son took me to the Community nurse. I introduced Eddie to her. I think she thought I was completely bonkers, but she approved of my changed attitude. I could blame my bonkerness on the general anesthetic. I have no idea why Eddie is a male, but he is.
The highlight of yesterday was seeing my son, daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren. My smallest granddaughter ( almost 2) delighted in sitting next to Auntie Wendy at the piano, banging away usually in time with Wendy while she played nursery rhymes, Christmas carols etc. Since May my granddaughter has learnt lots of words like "more" and "again"
I have found one disadvantage of normally walking for about an hour a day. Everyone tells me not to in this smoke laden air and I really miss it. Overall I am doing well.
I took a photo of Eddie, but posting it here may not be in the best of taste
Details : On Tuesday I was told that the drain that was inserted during surgery to drain away blood (and whatever else - lighter in colour) had to stay in for at least 4 days AND until the output was less than 30ml on 2 consecutive days AND be not as dark as straight blood. I have been annoyed that, according to everyone I asked, I have no control over the amount of liquid my body produces nor over the duration. "Relax and be patient' I am constantly told. I am not good at either. Grumble, grumble.
Wendy spent Wednesday night at my home and took me to the civic community health centre on Thursday morning. More of the same advice. However the nurse did change the dressing of the drain site and I have been more comfortable since. More than 30mls. I decided to change my approach. Now the bag that I carry round contains an entity which I address as Eddie, short for Eddie Entrails. He is my friend. He reminds me that it is OK to sit down and watch something inane on TV or do a jigsaw. He reminds me that , as of yesterday, even though it feels like months and months, it was only 2 weeks ago that I sat in the Breastscreen office and was told I had a malignant lump. This morning my son took me to the Community nurse. I introduced Eddie to her. I think she thought I was completely bonkers, but she approved of my changed attitude. I could blame my bonkerness on the general anesthetic. I have no idea why Eddie is a male, but he is.
The highlight of yesterday was seeing my son, daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren. My smallest granddaughter ( almost 2) delighted in sitting next to Auntie Wendy at the piano, banging away usually in time with Wendy while she played nursery rhymes, Christmas carols etc. Since May my granddaughter has learnt lots of words like "more" and "again"
I have found one disadvantage of normally walking for about an hour a day. Everyone tells me not to in this smoke laden air and I really miss it. Overall I am doing well.
I took a photo of Eddie, but posting it here may not be in the best of taste
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